Governor Gavin Newsom announced Sunday that California has secured a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to support local and state efforts in responding to the Dove Fire in Tuolumne County.
“California is working side-by-side with our local and state partners to protect communities threatened by the Dove Fire. Securing this assistance helps ensure firefighters have the resources they need to respond aggressively, protect lives and property, and support impacted communities as evacuation efforts continue,” Governor Gavin Newsom said.
The fast-moving Dove Fire ignited on July 26, 2026, just after 2:30 PM near Highway 108 and Stockton Street. It has burned more than 223 acres, threatening communities like Sonora and Jefferson. Over 600 homes have been evacuated, with an additional 1,400 under evacuation warnings.
Cal OES Director Caroline Thomas Jacobs emphasized the grant's importance, saying, “The Fire Management Assistance Grant is an important tool that helps ensure local and state agencies responding to fast-moving wildfires have the resources needed to keep communities safe.” The FMAG provides 75% reimbursement for eligible fire suppression costs to local, state, and tribal agencies. Residents are urged to stay vigilant, sign up for emergency alerts, and prepare a wildfire action plan.